Shipwreck Beans
A hearty, savory baked bean dish with bacon, ground beef, and vegetables, perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering rich flavors and comforting appeal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp, then cool, crumble, and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper to the beef and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ketchup and brown sugar, then stir into the beef mixture.
- Stir in the pork and beans along with the crumbled bacon, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon for topping.
- Transfer the mixture into an 8 or 9-inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining bacon.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try using a smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke to the mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms. You can also use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a different taste profile. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar to suit your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Shipwreck Beans hot, garnished with the reserved bacon. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside other hearty American recipes like Gracie's Meat Loaf or a side of coleslaw for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shipwreck Beans contains roughly 578 calories, with 10g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (136% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Shipwreck Beans in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day ahead. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step and refrigerate the assembled mixture. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of pork and beans?
If you don't have pork and beans on hand, you can substitute with any canned beans, such as navy beans or kidney beans, and add a touch of molasses or additional ketchup for flavor. This will still yield a delicious result.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a great lower-fat alternative to traditional bacon. It will provide a similar texture, but keep in mind that the flavor will be less smoky. Consider adding a bit of smoked paprika to enhance the taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).